Quiet Florida

Quiet Florida There are laws and regulations governing noise in states, counties, cities, and towns. Without community action and engagement with elected representatives, however, there may not be enforcement of existing laws. That was the situation in Collier County, Florida, when a group of citizens became concerned about the adverse health effects of aviation noise, and noise from illegally modified vehicle exhausts in and around the resort town of Naples. Creating an organization called Quiet Florida in March 2021, citizens reached out to elected officials, got on the meeting agenda, and informed the county commissioners of the negative health impacts of noise pollution. The next step was the formation of the Southwest Florida Noise Task Force, comprised of a county commissioner, the Collier County Sheriff Department, Naples City Police, the Florida Highway Patrol, the county Transportation Management Department, Florida Legislative Aide, and Quiet Florida. The Task Force is sending letters to 300 automotive repair shops and car dealerships, and using print, broadcast, and social media to inform businesses and the public of the negative health impacts of transportation noise and that modified exhaust systems are illegal. A detailed discussion of Quiet Florida’s efforts will be presented. Mary Tatigian Quiet Florida